“The astounding walls of Carcassonne’s citadel are an architectural wonder and draw visitors to the city from far and wide. After discovering every niche, passageway and parapet you can navigate the streets of the hilltop settlement or venture into the less touristy Lower City for lunch or a shopping trip. The ideal time to come is early, before the tourist hordes and lunch time.”

“The largest Zara in Europe is here. You could spend a whole day here shopping, having lunch on the top terraces, Love the tapas bar!. You can also go bowling if you fancy! Sushi restaurants, American diners and lots of French shops.”

“The undercover food market in Narbonne is a standout food market in France. Bursting with regional produce, you can find the best selection of cheeses, olives, vegetables and of course every kind of meat. There are wonderful restaurants in Les Halles so you can have lunch there and then head home with you basket jammed with dinner ingredients. An absolute must see”

“This is one of the closest 'Cathar Castles' near us and is the sight of one of the most famous sieges during the persecution and crusades again the religious sects. There's lot's of parking and the climb, while steep is worth it for both the views and the ruin itself. There is a small entrance fee to get into the site but it also allows you in to the museum in the village below where you get a really good understanding of how so many people both lived and survived on the site during the siege. There are also some nice places to eat and relax in the village, after visiting the ruin.”

“The closest beach to Maisonnarbonne - we don’t care for Narbonne plage but Gruissan is fine for a day but check to see if it is windy and do not go if it is! Big wide long sandy beach. Eat at Paparazzo or stay at Lea Cabine with sun loungers and good food ”